BAIKONUR COSMODROME, Kazakhstan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Launch Services (ILS), a leader in providing mission
integration and launch services to the global commercial satellite
industry, successfully launched the TURKSAT-4A satellite into orbit
today on an ILS Proton vehicle. The satellite was built by Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation for TURKSAT Satellite Communication, Cable TV and
Operation Inc. Co. (TURKSAT A.S.), one of the world’s leading operators
in the satellite communication business. This was the first ILS Proton
launch for both the satellite operator and the manufacturer; it was also
the first Proton launch of the year.

The ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle launched from Pad 24 at the Baikonur
Cosmodrome at 03:09 today local time (14 February: 21:09 GMT and 16:09
EST). The first three stages of the Proton used a standard ascent
profile to place the orbital unit (Breeze M upper stage and the
TURKSAT-4A satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in
the mission, the Breeze M performed planned mission maneuvers to advance
the orbital unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an
intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a
geostationary transfer orbit. Separation of the TURKSAT-4A satellite
occurred approximately 9 hours and 13 minutes after liftoff.

TURKSAT-4A will provide telecommunication and direct TV broadcasting
services over a wide geographic region between west of China and east of
England, spanning Turkey, as well as Europe, Central Asia, the Middle
East and Africa. TURKSAT-4A is a multi-band satellite with an expected
on-orbit maneuver lifespan of 30 years. The satellite will provide high
flexibility of switchability and connectivity among different service
areas to its customers.

The satellite weighed 4.8 metric tons at liftoff and is the ninth
satellite built on Mitsubishi Electric’s DS2000 platform, a fully proven
modular platform with the flexibility to handle a broad range of payload
applications.

ILS President Phil Slack stated, “This is the first ILS Proton launch
for our partners, Mitsubishi Electric and TURKSAT, and we are happy to
have such a strong foundation for our new relationship. We are honored
to be entrusted to deliver our customers’ satellites to orbit. Thank you
to all of the teams at Mitsubishi Electric, TURKSAT, Khrunichev, and
ILS, who have made this launch a success.”

Ozkan Dalbay, TURKSAT A.S. CEO and Chairman of the Board, said, “The
TURKSAT-4A satellite will increase coverage and enhance customer
services across Turkey as well as through areas of Europe, Central Asia,
the Middle East and Africa. Today's launch is a significant milestone
that strengthens our ties with both ILS and Khrunichev. Thank you to
everyone involved in the success of this launch.”

Mitsubishi Electric General Manager of Space Systems Division, Yasunori
Kamochi added, “We appreciate that through ILS’ conscientious efforts,
they conducted a flawless mission leading to the successful launch of
TURKSAT 4A, our first Proton launch. We are certain that ILS’ assurance
in quality and scheduling will allow our customer to engage its
satellite mission in a timely manner. We would like to thank everyone
involved with the TURKSAT-4A launch for their diligence and outstanding
capabilities.”

This was the 85th ILS Proton Launch and the 394th
launch for Proton overall since its maiden flight in 1965. The Proton
Breeze M vehicle is developed and built by Khrunichev Research and
Production Space Center of Moscow, Russia’s premier space industry
manufacturer and majority shareholder in ILS.

About ILS and Khrunichev

ILS is a world leader in providing launch services for global satellite
operators and offers a complete array of services and support, from
contract signing through mission management and on-orbit delivery. ILS
has exclusive rights to market the Proton vehicle to commercial
satellite operators worldwide and is a U.S. company headquartered in
Reston, VA., near Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.ilslaunch.com.

Khrunichev, which holds the majority interest in ILS, is one of the
cornerstones of the Russian space industry. Khrunichev manufactures the
Proton system and is developing the Angara launch system. The Proton
launches from facilities at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and
has a heritage of more than 390 missions since 1965. Khrunichev
includes, among its branches, a number of key manufacturers of launch
vehicle and spacecraft components in Moscow and in other cities of the
Russian Federation. For more information, visit www.khrunichev.com.

About TURKSAT A.S

TURKSAT A.S., a satellite operator company in Turkey, manages and
operates its satellites and provides all types of satellite
communications through TURKSAT and other satellites. With its high-tech
infrastructure and experienced staff, TURKSAT A.S. is one of the world’s
leading operators in the satellite communication business. Through
innovative projects to meet the communication demands of the communities
in the East hemisphere, TURKSAT A.S. provides services not only for
Turkey, but also for people all over the world. For more information,
visit www.turksat.com.tr

About Mitsubishi Electric

With over 90 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality
products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the
world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is contributing to
creating a vibrant and affluent society by enhancing its technologies,
services, and creative powers, as a leader in the manufacture and sales
of electric and electronic equipment used in Energy and Electric
Systems, Industrial Automation, Information and Communication Systems
including satellite systems, satellite components and ground systems,
Electronic Devices, and Home Appliances. The company recorded
consolidated group sales of 3,567.2 billion yen (US$ 37.9 billion*) in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. For more information visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com

*At an exchange rate of 94 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the
Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2013.